15 STEM Research Internships for High School Students
For high school students, internships offer a number of benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Research internships, particularly in fields of STEM, are a great way to get some hands-on experience, exposure to professional environments, and work under the guidance of top researchers.
A research internship on your resume also tells college admission officers that you’re dedicated to exploring your field of interest. Additionally, internships provide excellent opportunities to network with scientists and like-minded peers who could help with future opportunities.
If you’re looking for research internships in STEM fields, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of 15 internships you can consider!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours per week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (some financial aid is offered).
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program that gives high school students the opportunity to intern at a startup in a virtual setup. Startups that offer internships range across different industries — tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You’ll intern with high-growth companies that raise over a million dollars on average. As a Ladder intern, you will work closely with your startup manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company.
You will also be offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other professional skills, along with the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
2. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Multiple locations across the United States. You can check them out here.
Application deadline: Applications close on November 1, every year.
Program dates: 8-week program in the summer. The exact dates will vary based on the lab you choose.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program's start date and are U.S. citizens can apply. Eligibility criteria may vary from lab to lab, so make sure you check the details before you apply!
Cost/Stipend: No cost. There is a stipend offered: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant).
SEAP is a prestigious and competitive program for students keen on conducting research in science and engineering-related fields. The program is conducted in over 38 Navy laboratories nationwide. During this internship, you will get the opportunity to participate in innovative and relevant STEM research under the guidance of renowned Navy scientists and engineers. While working on your research projects, you will build valuable knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics.
The lab assignments are based on your interests, offering a tailored experience that aligns with your academic and career goals. SEAP is fairly competitive and is regarded as a valuable experience because of its association with the Navy. This program can be a solid stepping stone for you to explore a career in STEM.
3. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Location: NASA centers across the country. Some virtual options are offered too.
Application Deadline: August 23, 2024 (Spring) | October 25, 2024 (Summer, Early Decision) | February 28, 2024 (Summer, Final Decision) | May 16, 2024 (Fall).
Program dates: Spring session (January - May) | Summer Session (June - August) | Fall session (September - December).
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and are at least 16 years old at the time of application, can apply.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is paid based on academic level and session duration.
If you’re interested in technology and space, the NASA OSTEM High School Internship Program can be a great opportunity. These internships will provide you with exposure to STEM subjects, where you will work with advanced technologies used in space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering. Whether it’s robotics, software development, or the complex mechanisms of a spacecraft, this internship will allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
The internship program also provides access to high-end NASA facilities and resources. You will gain hands-on experience at NASA labs, work on ongoing projects, and work alongside expert scientists and engineers. NASA’s high school internships provide mentorship, training, and career development advice. You can choose from multiple profiles in the OSTEM program, such as Flight Software Development and Climate Resilience Intern, and more; check these opportunities out here.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program (AFRL)
Location: Multiple labs across the country.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: Depends on your research project. Several cohorts are offered: Spring Cohort - January to May (16 weeks) | Summer Cohort - June to August (10 weeks) | Fall Cohort - September to December (16 weeks)
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens with a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), and are at least 16 years old at the time of application, can apply.
Cost/Stipend: $492.40 per week.
AFRL is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects to support the U.S. Air Force’s mission, providing valuable experience in the world of aerospace and engineering research. You will gain hands-on experience in a real-world aerospace and advanced technology-based situation at well-equipped bases and labs. You will get to collaborate with top-tier scientists and engineers on projects that range from cyber security and materials science to aerospace engineering and dense research. The internship also offers the rare chance to observe the laboratories, giving you firsthand exposure and insight into the latest research facilities and high technology in the field.
Along with the basics of aerospace-related research, you will get to engage in data analysis, processing, learning design and development, and other skills that will equip you with both practice and theory, giving you a holistic experience. Besides, it will also equip you with the basic skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are universally applicable in the careers associated with scientific research. This is a strong opportunity to contribute to national projects in the form of research while shaping your future career opportunities.
5. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands. You will be assigned a location nearest to your residence.
Application Deadline: Applications will close in February.
Program Dates: June to August.
Eligibility: All current high school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $3,000 is offered.
If aquatic life and animal biology interest you, you should consider applying to this program. As a Hutton scholar, you will be mentored by a professional who will guide you while you engage in activities such as field sampling, data analysis, and habitat restoration projects. You will get the chance to gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, conducting laboratory and field research.
You will also participate in management projects and efforts for resource conservation. Some of the activities you would be involved in outdoors are electrofishing, examining specimens under a microscope, water quality testing, data processing, and more. Being a scholar will also enable you to explore academic and career-related opportunities in the field with the help of your mentor.
6. High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Location: NIH campuses across the country.
Application Deadline: Applications close in February.
Dates: July 2, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Students must be:
- 17 years of age or older on June 15, 2024.
- Enrolled in high school as a junior or senior.
- U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
- Enrolled in a high school in the U.S. to be eligible.
- Under the age of 18 by June 15, should live within 40 miles of the NIH campus on which you intend to intern.
Stipend: $2,300 per month.
The HS-SIP at the National Institute of Health campuses is a competitive program that offers 11th and 12th graders the opportunity to conduct full-time research and data analysis in a designated research group under professional and renowned mentors. Throughout the program, you'll engage in hands-on experiments, utilize advanced lab skills, and immerse yourself in a vibrant research environment. Research opportunities are available in areas like the biomedical, social, and behavioral sciences.
There are two cohort options according to grade level: HiSTEP for juniors and HiSTEP 2.0 for seniors. Your sessions will include basic lab skills, studying topics in health science through case studies and group projects, exploring careers in STEM through actual scientists and public workers, and more. The program will also equip you with career readiness and leadership development. You will also get advice on how to present college applications.
7. SPARK Summer Internship Program
Location: Greater Seattle Area.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program Dates: 6-8 weeks between June to August.
Eligibility: All high school students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend may be provided based on the project you select.
The SPARK Summer Internship Program, with an acceptance rate of about less than 5%, offers high schoolers the opportunity to explore computer science and related subjects. With this program, you can dive into research areas in the field, interact and learn from scholars and leaders, and gain real-world experience.
You’ll need to select 5-6 projects that you’d like to work on and you will be assigned to one of those. Working on these projects will help you develop essential skills in subjects like software engineering, biotechnology, and AI-driven data visualization through active hands-on learning and experimentation. You will work on real-world applications of concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks while interacting with and learning from industry leaders, university professors, and mentors.
8. Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Internship
Location: Cornell University Campus, Ithaca, New York.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program dates: June 25, 2024 - August 9, 2024.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 16 years of age, graduating seniors are not eligible and they must reside in Ithaca.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost, you will be provided with a stipend of $4,200, however accommodation and meals are not included.
The BTI, located at Cornell University Campus, offers research internships for those specifically interested in biology and life sciences. The research topics range from plant science to plant molecular biology, biological engineering, bioinformatics, and more. You will be matched with a research project and mentor according to your interests and background in the subject. The internship program will give you the opportunity to explore both fieldwork and lab work.
You’ll also get to attend weekly seminars with well-known scientists and faculty from Cornell, BTI, and the USDA. By the end of the program, you will have a thorough idea of the research process and skills as you attend lab meetings, learn about university options, learn the art of scientific communication, and much more. This program is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your academic and career-related pursuits. You can check out the list of potential projects here.
9. JBEI’s Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)
Location: JBEI Laboratories, CA
Application deadline: Applications usually close in March.
Program dates: June 10 - July 26, 2024
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be 15 years or older and be in high school in Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco Counties
- They must be a US citizen/permanent resident/DACA recipient
- They must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have passed Algebra 1 and Biology
- You can read more about the criteria here.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend of $3000
iCLEM is an opportunity for you to understand the complexities of bioenergy and microbiology firsthand by exploring research in a state-of-the-art facility. If topics like microbiology, biotechnology, and biofuels intrigue you, this is the right internship to familiarize yourself with the field.
You will be working under experienced scientists and researchers. You won't just be observing—you'll be an active research participant that could have significant implications for our future. Whether you're isolating microbes, analyzing genetic data, or exploring new methods for biofuel production, you’ll be solving new challenges. Moreover, the internship is exclusively targeted toward students coming from minority, lower-income backgrounds. The program aims to help them gain substantial experience in these topics while aiding their college applications. To top it off, you will also get to tour the nuclear lab at Berkeley alongside like-minded peers and faculty.
10. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Varies depending on the project.
Application Deadline: Varies from project to project.
Dates: The date depends on the internship type:
- Summer Internships typically run 10-12 weeks, from May to August.
- Co-op internships typically run 3–8 months during the academic term
- Year-round internships run during the academic terms
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Have a U.S. citizenship
- Be at least 16 years of age and have a full-time enrollment status at a high school
- Year-round/co-op intern – Must be a full-time student during the academic school year (spring, fall, and winter).
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is provided according to the intern provided; you can check it out here.
Every year, Sandia gives opportunities for young, aspiring students from across the nation to take on different science and tech roles. During your internship, you will be able to engage in difficult real-life tasks that will support vital national objectives. While covering numerous fields like cyber security, energy security systems, engineering design, or software development, most research intern programs are inclusive of multiple disciplines. Each center assigns a team that aids and acts as a mentor for guiding interns in their projects based on the areas where their interest lies.
If you find interest in STEM fields, there are many opportunities offered by Sandia that could be relevant for you, such as photovoltaic and materials technology, where you will be a part of a team working on diverse and challenging projects in technology as a dynamic research organization. During the internship in high school, students will be solving problems that have to do with bringing many types of servers, storage devices, networking components, software programs, and middleware together into one virtual system.
Location: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA.
Application Deadline: There is no information available at the moment.
Program Duration: CHOP-RISES I takes place over 6 weeks in the summer, and CHOP-RISES II over 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Rising juniors can apply to CHOP-RISES I, and rising seniors can apply to CHOP-RISES II. This is possible through school or community nomination
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided
CHOP-RISES is a transformative experience for students interested in the fields of STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine), hosted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. The programs (I and II) provide a comprehensive approach to biomedical research as you get the chance to work alongside accomplished researchers and scientists at the hospital while working on research projects and developing laboratory skills to advance your knowledge. You get the chance to contribute to novel and cutting-edge research taking place in the field.
As an intern, you will be paired with experienced professionals who will train and guide you throughout. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to attend seminars and workshops that will train you in data analysis, experimentation, career planning, and more. By the end of the internship, you'll have an understanding of research and a vision of your future in STEM fields. The program will conclude with you putting together a presentation to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gained through the research conducted in the program.
12. Monell Science Apprenticeship Program (MSAP) at the Monell Center
Location: Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA.
Application deadline: Applications for 2024 are cohort. They usually close in January.
Eligibility: All high school students who reside in the greater Philadelphia area, including Camden, NJ.
Program dates: June 18, 2024- August 16, 2024.
Cost/Stipend: There is a stipend provided but information on the amount is not available.
The MSAP apprenticeship program is a solid opportunity for those interested in the fields of biomedicine and medicine. You will get the opportunity to work on real-life research projects under a Monell scientist while getting paid full-time. The environment is multidisciplinary and diverse, with you collaborating with researchers according to your interest in their respective fields. As an MSAP apprentice, you will gain practical experience by working on projects, training in lab work, and networking with experts.
There will be workshops and seminars to enrich your knowledge and skills. You will get to participate in activities that include lectures on scientific topics, public speaking, and written communication, as well as ethical principles guiding human and animal research. The program will conclude with a public conference, which will enable you to showcase your research to scientific staff, family members, and friends.
13. High School Program in Biomedical Research at the The Wistar Institute
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA.
Application deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. They close on 31st March every year.
Program dates: July 15, 2024 - August 8, 2024 (4 weeks).
Eligibility: The student must:
- Be at least 16 years of age;
- Have successfully completed at least one high school science course
- Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 stipend on completion
The High School Program in Biomedical Research is a highly competitive program with a cohort of 15 students a year. This immersive internship will provide you with the opportunity to engage in hands-on research projects in cancer biology, vaccine development, and infectious diseases. During four weeks in the summer, you will receive training in advanced biomedical laboratory techniques and actively participate in real projects at the institute, utilizing its state-of-the-art facilities.
This program is an opportunity to directly engage with the scientific community, as you will get to network with and work under leading scientists and researchers. You will also be encouraged to read and analyze scientific literature while exploring multiple careers in biomedical research. The program will conclude with you presenting your research work to your peers and mentors.
14. Teen Research Internship Program (TRIP)
Location: William Tennent High School, Warminster, for Spring Session | Temple University, Philadelphia, for both Winter and Spring sessions.
Application deadline: Open for spring application soon, Students generally apply by October for the spring session, and in March for the winter session.
Program dates: Two options: Consecutive Saturdays from late-January to early-May | Tuesdays and Thursdays from July to August
Eligibility: All high school students from Philadelphia are eligible to apply
Cost/Stipend: Free.
The Teen Research Internship Program is an intensive, lab-based internship program focusing on channeling student interest toward science and medicine. The program provides an opportunity for the students to be part of hypothesis-driven research and to learn first-hand about the laboratory process. The three-phase program is conducted in a controlled manner. In Phase I, potential research questions one might ask are developed around the impact of diet, environmental stress, and genetics on organismal development and behavior while learning introductory lab and problem-solving skills.
In Phase II, students learn how to work with standard laboratory equipment, how to design and run experiments, how to collect and analyze data, and most importantly, how to think through and overcome failure. In the last phase, they work on explaining the experimental design, data, conclusion, and future directions of their study. The program concludes with students presenting their research findings to members of the scientific community and their families at a scientific symposium.
15. Werner H. Kirsten (WHK) Student Intern Program
Location: National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 will open in November tentatively.
Program Dates: June - August.
Eligibility: The student must be:
- Be a junior in high school and be 17 years old at the start of the program.
- a United States (U.S.) citizen or permanent resident.
- Attend a school located within a thirty (30) mile radius of the NCI-Frederick campus.
- Have the equivalent of three (3) years of math and science credits.
Cost/Stipend: A stipend will be provided.
The Werner H. Kirsten (WHK) Student Intern Program offers a solid opportunity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of cancer research at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Throughout the internship, you'll be actively involved in cutting-edge projects, learning and applying advanced laboratory techniques and contributing to research that seeks to understand and combat cancer. Each intern is paired with a dedicated mentor, providing personalized guidance and support as you delve into your research project.
There are two types of internships available: scientific research internships and scientific support internships. Scientific research internships use basic methods of hands-on laboratory training and are available in areas such as cancer metabolism, chemical biology, RNA sequencing, cell biology, and more! Scientific support internships provide experience in support of science and biomedical research and are available in areas like bioinformatics, statistical and data analysis, IT, scientific communication, and more. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained insight into research and an understanding of the process, enriching your academic skills.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.